In a pickle: How to cook cauliflower without the smell

Mmm cauliflower. Love the veggie but can’t stand the smell of it cooking? We can’t either. Here’s how to reduce it that stench.

Cauliflower and similar veggies, such as broccoli and cabbage, should be eaten on a regular basis. Cauliflower is packed with B vitamins, vitamin K, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C and potassium.

It can help prevent cancer, decrease your risk for obesity and diabetes, aid in digestion and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Not only is it healthy, it’s also delicious… if you can get past the stinky smell it releases when being cooked!

Why does cauliflower smell?

First, raw cauliflower does not have an odor to it, only cooked cauliflower does. The reason? Cauliflower contains sulfur compounds that naturally smell unpleasant and are brought out when cooked. Because of this, you’ll never fully be able to eliminate the smell, but you can minimize it.

Cauliflower cooking tips

The best way to cook cauliflower is by steaming or sautéing it. Steam for 5 minutes (for small florets) to 15 minutes (for a whole head). If you choose to sauté, add a little olive oil and some seasoning and sauté until crispy, about 5 minutes.

However you choose to cook your cauliflower, never overcook it. Not only does it remove precious nutrients from your meal, overcooking it is what also helps create the unpleasant odor. No one likes stinky, mushy cauliflower!